In light of Roald Dahl Day, we’re celebrating the author by sharing some of our favourite quotes from his books and reminding ourselves of the important life lessons he taught us all, that should be passed on to our children and pupils…

That beauty comes from the inside so it’s important to always be kind and have good thoughts!

The Twits

To step away from the TV and technology and get lost in books!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

That’s its normal to be scared and we should push ourselves out of our comfort zone every now and then!

Danny the Champion of the World

To accept everyone because being different is a fantastic thing!

Fantastic Mr Fox

To dream big!

Matilda

Get involved with us this Roald Dahl Day, using the hashtags #RoaldDahlDay and #RoaldDahlDay2017. Alternatively, visit the official Roald Dahl website for resources, lesson plans, creative ideas and of course, to purchase some classic books!

Are you glad to be going back to work? Have you been behaving like a lottery winner with all the time in the world but not quite the bank balance?

These are great questions to ask on day one of the new academic term 2017-2018 or at the start of any academic year and for most staff the answer is always a resounding “no”.

However, that’s the answer we expect to hear because after six weeks (42 beautiful days) off you really do feel like a lottery winner!

You’ve done what you want, when you want, set no wake up alarm, spent time with your family and friends and perhaps even read a book and watched a box set or six!

But now it’s back to work we go, hey ho, hey ho, hey ho and I’ve been thinking, how do we transfer that summer feeling into an every day feeling and increase our personal happiness at times of stress (and we all know those times are quick to come!).

For example week 1 will see many primary teachers looking for lost garments as parents cry ‘have you seen his jumper?’, all teachers will be examining their predecessors data and looking at the cohort in front of them, wondering if the real children have been abducted by aliens and replaced by non data matching aliens as a test!

As you know, the academic year is a roller coaster ride but if we are to make it through and survive further on into our careers then we’re truly blessed because teaching is actually an amazing job!

Working in education, we get to make a difference daily and have a positive impact on the lives of others, so to make sure we continue to be the best we can be, I’ve got five fully tried and tested tips just for you…

Be organised – mentally.

– This doesn’t mean buying the whole stationary shop or that matching everything is going to make you more organised. It means think through your low points last year, what were they about? What can you do to prepare better for them this year? What can you do to keep your own well being on a high? I always wrote a family menu and used a slow cooker so my children got fed!

Gratitude is such a simple word

– but you’ve had 42 days Holiday and the rest of the work force are lucky if they get 20 annual days a year. So have a think about your reasons to be grateful this summer, write 50 down and keep them somewhere that you can see them.

Happy photo

– Find a summer photo that makes you happy and save it as your screen saver or desk top screen. We have devices with us all the time and a simple click can take you back to the moment and help ease the building of stress. #photomeditation

Give your self a health check

– Now whilst you are still healthy from the summer break! Start taking vitamin C before the colds kick in or add a 30 day vitamin challenge to the first half term. Stay healthy by preventing illness.

Add into everyday ‘mood boosts’

– these are the ‘amuse buche’ to happiness! An amuse bush is a posh dinner sorbet eaten between meals to cleanse the pallet! So a ‘mood boost’ is a happiness injection added into your day to increase happiness. Have a class anthem to start the day (and end), make yourself a happy boost play list or set an alarm on your phone to go off during the day and when it goes off say ‘what’s that?’ Then say ‘I know it’s a DANCE ALARM!!’ Break into spontaneous dance moves to the song, encouraging others to join you!

A school in Melton Mowbray have a ‘Spread The Happiness’ head teacher who sets the alarm to go off over the school tannoy and every class comes into the corridor and dances for the length of the song then goes back to lessons!

Use these tips to get through some of those stressful school times and start the new school year as you mean to go on. These happy back to school moments and stories will soon be memories you cherish for life

Remember that we truly are the modern billionaire that Emmy-nominated host and keynote speaker, Jason Silva talks about “the new definition of a billionaire is some one who positively impacts on a billion lives”.

Visit the official website for Happiness Speaker, Shonette Bason-Wood here!

Now that the summer holidays are pretty much done and dusted, it’s time to get ready to return to the crazy life of being a teacher. With the ups and downs, the stress and the endless marking also comes the pride of reaching targets and being a part of a students success!

You may still be in holiday mode now but here’s how you can get yourself out of that frame of mind and ready for those first few weeks back with our 10 tips to survive the dreaded return back to school…

Reflect on the previous year

– Think about what went well and what didn’t go so well in order to determine what you need to do differently and what can be kept the same.

Make classroom rules and stick to them

– You are in charge of your classroom. Make it clear from the get go what your rules are and make sure to stick with them through the year.

Get to know your students

– Learn names quickly. It could also be useful keeping up with the latest trends so you can find some common ground with your students and have more to talk about than just school.

Stay out of school politics

– Focus on your own teaching and classroom. A staffroom is a fun place to unwind but try to distance yourself from any drama as it can be draining.

Remember routine

– The holidays will have ruined your usual routine. Take a week before to try and get back into it so you are fresh for your first day back.

Set positive aims/goals

– Write down what you expect to gain out of the year and what goals you plan to reach.
This can be an effective way of improving teaching as you can look back at the end of the year and see how well they worked.

Make expectations clear

– Tell students what you expect of them in terms of behaviour in classrooms, homework standards, etc.

New year, new you!

– This means a fresh start. Regardless of whether you have taught the students before, a new year indicates a clean slate. Let go of all opinions of students and give them a chance to be different.

Communicate with parents

– Have a conversation with parents and explain what you expect to gain through the year and how they can help you achieve this. This is vital in getting the best out of your students.

Get organised

– Lesson plans, homework timetables and marking should all be planned out prior to lessons. Organisation is the key and it will make life a lot easier. It can be the difference between an average teacher and an exceptional one.

So, you’ve decided to join The Education Network family? Smart move! Now that we’re working together, we want to make sure you have the best opportunities possible so here’s our 10 top tips to make the most out of this exciting, new relationship!

Communication is key

– Check your phone regularly so you don’t miss out on work. It’s the best way for us to get hold of you quickly. Also check emails just incase we can’t get you on the telephone for whatever reason.

Practice discretion where necessary

– Please make sure any social networking websites you have are on the highest privacy setting. Even the most harmless of photos/posts have the potential to derail a career in education. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Be specific

– Specify exactly what you’re looking for, including the areas of education you would like to work in, the type of schools you would prefer and any you may wish to avoid. If at any time your preferences change that’s not a problem, just inform us and we’ll find something more suited to you!

Keep us updated

– Let us know as soon as possible or at latest on a Thursday what your availability is for the following week so we know when to and not to ring you. This saves everyone time as we won’t contact you or work to place you if we know you’re busy!

Be honest

– Inform us of any changes to your situation e.g. if you’ve found a job or can’t work for any reason. Life happens and we completely understand! Should you wish to move on to pastures new, although we’ll be sad to see you go, we’ll also be happy for you!

In case of absence…

– Give a decent amount of notice (24 hours ideally) if you cannot work a shift you have agreed to. Remember, the school, staff and pupils will be relying on you so unless it is an emergency, please don’t hesitate to let us know immediately of any changes to your circumstances.

Just say no

– Please don’t feel obliged to accept work if you cannot do it or you’re not 100% about it. We want our teachers to be happy in their placements and we know that just because a role looks right for you on paper, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the one for you! If you feel like you’d prefer a different position just say no and we’ll work tirelessly until we’ve found the perfect placement for you.

Be realistic

– Be clear about what geographical areas you can work in and how far you are willing to travel to work. If you’re unsure about how long a journey will take, use Google Maps to check your route before you accept the job and discover how long the travel time will be via walking, driving or public transport!

First impressions count

– Make a great impression when on assignment and the school or nursery will most likely ask for you back. The schools we work with have been known to make permanent placements available for exceptional teachers, so if you’re seeking more long-term work, make sure you stand out for all the right reasons!

Spread the word and earn some money

– Refer a friend or family member to join us as well and once they’re placed and have successfully completed ten full working days with us, you’ll be entitled to a cash reward as a thank you from us!

Should you require any further information before joining The Education Network you can find everything you need in our Candidate Guides! Alternatively, If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, you can contact your local office here.

This summer, The Education Network is the headline sponsor of the Youth Sport Trust Headteacher Ambassador Regional and National Conferences.

The Youth Sport Trust is a national charity that was founded in 1994 and they are passionate about creating a brighter future for all children and young people through the power of sport.

The organisation’s Head Teacher Ambassadors make up a national network that influences and informs their strategy and future direction, as well as influencing national policy makers in education, sport and health.

It is because of our shared passion for education and promoting physical activity to inspire young people through PE and sport, that we’re proud to announce our sponsorship of this wonderful event, which sees the charity’s Head Teacher Ambassadors come together to network and work towards a brighter future for education.

It is also a perfect opportunity for them to hear from senior Youth Sport Trust staff, from key education, health and sport stakeholders and policy makers and, most importantly to meet with like-minded colleagues.

With children and young people experiencing declining emotional health and wellbeing, increasing obesity levels and high youth unemployment, the mission of the Youth Sport Trust has never been more important, especially for schools.

The charity has an outstanding 20 year track record of improving the lives of young people from 18 months to 18 years.

They work with all primary, secondary and special educational needs practitioners to create solutions that improve health, attendance, academic achievement and raise standards, providing all young people with skills for life.

The conferences will be held in various locations across the UK, including:

Bristol – 25/09/2017

London – 26/09/2017

Loughborough – 02/10/2017

Leeds – 03/10/2017

The Youth Sport Trust also offers a range of different events for member and non-member primary and secondary schools.

Discover more about the Youth Sport Trust or if you’re interested in becoming a Head Teacher Ambassador, visit them here.

No matter what age you are, games are always fun and as it gets closer to the summer holidays, we understand teachers like to give their pupils (and themselves!) a well-deserved break from the curriculum.

However, it’s still possible to keep things educational and do this, which is why we’ve complied a list of engaging games that can be incorporated into your every day lessons to help you change it up!

According to some reports the attention span for students is around 20 minutes, if not less, so why not use the time in between to engage them in a fun game to test what they’ve learnt!

There are many different games you could use but here are a few of our favourite ideas…

Bingo is a popular game in classrooms and can be used for any subject. Put the answers on the bingo sheet and ask different questions. Students will have to know all the answers to win the game.

Hangman is always fun. You can play this by using the different vocabulary you have used in class. When the word has been revealed, the game can only be won once it is correctly defined.

Noughts and crosses is your usual classic game. You could use cards, one side with a question and the other side with the answer. If pupils answer correctly the question can be replaced with a nought or a cross. If wrong it is the other student’s turn.

Around the world is a great game to play with all students. The objective of the game is to see how far students can move. Students can either be sat in a circle or stood in rows. Two students will get the opportunity to answer a question. Which ever answers correctly first will get to move behind the other student and the game will continue.

Memory games can help to improve students memory skills. There are many different memory games you can choose from. For example, the game Shop where students must say “I went to the shop and bought…”. Another student will then repeat the sentence and what their classmate bought from the shop, following with the item they’d like to buy and this continues with every pupil until their memory will allow them!

Another game could be reading a list related to the curriculum out and asking your students to remember the words you spoke. You will read the list again, each time adding a new word and students must decide which word is the new one.

Scavenger hunts allow students to move around and challenge themselves by solving riddles. The treasure at the end could involve different prizes, giving students a goal and a bit more motivation.

Fast Facts involves giving students a specific amount of time to answer a specific number of questions. This game can be used in any subject and can be a great way for students to develop their skills and improve their knowledge on the particular subject.

If you run out of ideas you could always ask the students to create their own games. The best ones are those that revert back to the curriculum and can be used in an indoor setting for all students to play, so ask them to think outside the box and get them involved!

Classroom games that engage pupils also allow for stronger bonds to form between students through team work and competivitity. It will also improve the relationship you have with your pupils as they will more than likely see a lighter side to you.

In 1954, the UN General Assembly nominated a day to promote the importance of a safe and healthy childhood in a day of fraternity amongst children in all countries. Whilst most countries in the world celebrate children’s rights on the 20th of November (UN nominated day) in the UK, it is believed to be crucial for children to get outside on children’s day and interact with communities and other children. This is why in the UK it is held at the beginning of summer as opposed to November. However the International Day for Protection of children is observed in most countries as International Children’s Day and is on the first of June.

Whilst by all means it is important to celebrate all children on this day it is also a crucial time to inform them of hardships that other children face on a daily basis such as children being used as labourers, whilst some are immersed in army conflicts or living on the streets. We encourage you as a school or teacher to share the reality of less fortunate children in the world who are simply suffering because of differences. An idea is to go through The Rights of Children in a simplistic manner so that children know what rights all children in this world should be entitled to.

Recently, the International Development Committee called for the Department of International Development to increase its spending on education. Other strategies such as health, disasters and civil society receive a greater funding than education which leads to the concern that the UK aid strategy isn’t placing a great enough importance on making sure that children across the developing world have access to a proper education.

The truth is that we need to place a greater importance and emphasis on education as children who don’t attend school are often the most vulnerable and marginalised and can then go through the hardships and horrors of child labour and army conflicts.

Although progress is being made, it is not enough, many children are still in this day and age being left behind and unable to go to school because their parents rely on them for labour and many schools across the world lack water points and even latrines. Others can’t go to school due to the fact that they may speak a language that is not supported at their school or their learning material, showing that differences in language, religion and background are still barriers that children are facing.

Whilst in other countries in the world girl’s education is not valued as they are not seen as equal. This leads to many girls being unable to attend school and being forced into marriages at a young age. On the other hand, in some societies boys are expected to earn an income instead of furthering their education at an adolescent age, preventing them from attending school for more than a limited amount of years.

The Hope Orphan Pre School Youth Group (HOPSYG) was founded in 2008 with the goal of educating children from the poorest slums in Mombasa Mshomoroni and Kenya.

HOPSYG provide preschool education to children who are at times as old as ten but do not have any basic or numeracy education. Not only that, but children are also provided with clean water and a porridge meal every day, which is sadly often the only meal they receive in a day.

Additionally, the organisation has gone one step further and also provide emergency medical help to those in need.
We strongly believe in children’s rights and above all, the right to an education which is why when we heard about HOPSYG, we knew we had to get involved. This is why we fund-raise for HOPSYG, because we want to help make a difference and help make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

So on this International Children’s Day we urge you to educate others and fund-raise for a worthwhile cause to help children get the health, education, and nutrition they deserve. Even a small donation could help feed and educate a child across the world.

Teaching is a very time consuming profession but it can in return be just as rewarding. It is demanding and stressful. You can often make the mistake of thinking your teaching experience will be like those in the movies but you would be mistaken. In fact at times you will not even be able to compare it to the teachers around you as every experience will be different. Here are 10 things you wish someone told you before you became a teacher:

1. Parents play a huge role. A child will respect you more if their parents respect you. If you have a parent’s support you are more likely to have a better reputation. Parents are always quick to defend their children, so prepare for this.

2. Prepare to work long hours. It is easy to believe that a teacher’s day starts and ends with the school day but this is far from true. With the endless planning and marking your job never ends and with that marks the end of your social life.

3. The secretary is super important. The head teacher is your boss, however, it is the secretary that takes charge of everything. For example, pay slips and all the other important stuff. Always stay on good terms with the secretary!

4. Control emotion. Students can smell your fear. Make sure to hide all emotion from your students as they will pick up on it. It is important to forget all personal problems whilst teaching and just focus on your students.

5. Spend a lot of money. There is a limited supply for each classroom. When ordering supplies it takes at least three weeks so you’re more likely to go out and buy your own for your class. If you believe in positive reinforcement then you will also be spending on treats for your class regularly.

6. Using the toilet during class. Unless there is another teacher in the class you will not be able to leave for a toilet break. You could be holding it in for hours and you would have to act completely normal in front of your class.

7. The internet is important. It is good to use the staff around you for help but sometimes they can be unapproachable. At times like these, the internet offers so much advice on everything. There are also websites when you can send in questions that could be tailored to your needs. Online you are more likely to come across people who are in a similar position to you.

8. New vocabulary. You find yourself using phrases that your teachers used on you. As you spend so much time with your students you pick up on the language they use so you can find yourself out with friends using language that only students use.

9. Become a parent to students. As teaching becomes the biggest part of your life you will find yourself always talking about your students and referring to them as ‘my kids’ especially when talking to other teachers.

10. Be prepared for anything to happen. Life is unpredictable however the life of a teacher is even more unpredictable. Every day is different.

Schools spend tons of money each term on classroom supplies, work books, stationary and more. The list is literally endless and budgets are tight, that’s why we’ve put together some fantastic ideas to help you get more money back into your school:

Bake sale– A fun and easy way to get students, parents and teachers together because who doesn’t love food?! This is a classic and cost-effective idea that can rake in a decent amount of cash and you could even offer a prize for the tastiest treat to encourage more involvement!

Talent show– Giving students a platform to showcase their talents is not only great for their self-esteem but it is also a perfect opportunity to get support from the parents. Nominate judges, set prizes for the winner and charge a small entry fee for anyone who wishes to attend.

Dance competition– Dancing is not only good for your body, it also has excellent mental health benefits and it can be very entertaining to watch for pupils and teachers alike. Organise a dance off and encourage everyone to show off footloose style. Anyone can get involved and an audience is welcome but tickets must be purchased.

Gift basket auction/ raffle– Put together a basket of goodies and raffle it off. Keep it thrifty by asking each teacher to bring in one item to put in the hamper. Everyone loves a good raffle and they always bring in lots of cash.

Own clothes day – Students love non-uniform days. Charge a pound per student and let them come to school dressed how they want.

A play– Get the drama department to put together a show. It is an enjoyable and educational way that students can get the money in. The show could be shown through the week and could be advertised through fliers designed by students. This could have the ability to bring in a huge audience, so charge a fair amount for tickets and watch the seats fill!

Arts and craft stall– Urge students to get as creative as possible. Get students from each class involved and put their work on sale. Have an open gallery evening at school, put pupils work on display and invite parents and families to come and spend their money!

Staff football game– Organise a football game between staff. This could take place after school or on the weekend. Encourage students, parents and staff not involved to attend.

Fashion show– Lights, camera, action! A fashion show can give students a chance to think outside the box whilst having fun. They could be organisers, designers or even the models. This is another excellent opportunity to encourage family members to attend and charge an entrance fee.

Karaoke competition/rap battle– What student doesn’t want to see their teachers embarrass themselves!? Hold a big competition with student and staff judges and charge every student for entry.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) have joined forces with the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and have released a new guidance for teacher recruitment.

NAHT members are now being offered help and guidance on working with teacher supply and recruitment companies. This has been done in a bid to help educational institutes deal with APSCo members and to build a stronger bond in this relationship as well as helping schools and institutes access quality educators.

The guidance provided will introduce NAHT members to a new Code of Conduct that has been carefully produced by APSCo who have worked alongside the NAHT to ensure a high standard amongst recruitment consultancies. The Code of Conduct sets out the professional standards and level of professional conduct that can be expected from recruitment consultancies.

Additionally, the NAHT have recommended that educational establishments work alongside agencies that are registered with ASPCo in order to ensure that they are bound by this Code of Conduct. By doing this, schools and academies will be provided with additional assurance as APSCo members are accredited with Compliance+.

The new guidance is based on the former “APSCo Code of Conduct for Members” but includes certain adjustment and some variations that are specific to the education sector in order to address concerns that have been raised by the NAHT.

The adjustments that are specific to the education sector can be found below and may cause certain recruitment companies to modify their documentation and well as process and procedures. The rest of the Code of Conduct for Education Recruitment Agencies is available for viewing online.

Clause 3.3 – Members will make specific reference to adherence to this Code in their marketing literature.

Clause 4.2.1 – Requires all fees, obligations, and liabilities of all parties to be set out in contractual documentation.

Clause 4.3 – This is a new safeguarding clause, which makes reference to Compliance+. This clause does not require that all members be accredited to Compliance+, but they must comply with the safeguarding requirements therein.

Clause 5.3 – Members will endeavour to understand the client’s stated skills requirements before submitting candidates.

Clause 7.4 – Candidates on assignment will be given access to information on relevant subsidised training courses (CPD).

Clause 7.9 – If contractors are unsure of the suitable supply models available to them, members will either provide impartial information, or refer them to APSCo or another unconnected and objective body.

Clause 7.10 – Members will not make any offer contingent upon the contractor working through an umbrella company, or other payment service provider, unless stipulated by the client.

By following this Code of Conduct and applying the adjustments to professional staff recruitment agencies ASPCo hope to make a step in the right direction to strengthen the bond between school leaders and staff recruitment. As well as providing easy and transparent access to quality educators.

Luckily, we were one of the first three education recruitment companies awarded with APSCo’s Compliance+ standard back in 2013, before its official launch so every educator that we work with and supply is guaranteed to have surpassed safeguarding standards in line with APSCO’s Compliance+.

Each one of our candidates is also put through a thorough screening process to ensure that we are hiring professionals who will not only excel in schools and adhere to the rules in place but also to guarantee each and every child that comes into contact with our education professionals is safe, secure and comfortable at all times.

We show continual improvement in safeguarding and competency, as well as providing our candidates with the necessary means to continuously improve in the workplace including free CPD, support and beneficial products and services due to our many partnerships.

As a result of our passion, hard work and holding ourselves to the highest standards, we have proven that we’re a leading and reliable agency that can guarantee your organisation will be supplied with only the most professional and informed educators when you work with us.

Don’t just take our word for it, discover why so many teachers, schools and education professionals choose to work with us in their own words here!

Choose between IPhone(Apple)
and Android and download now for instant access to the latest vacancies and get your CV in front of us in minutes!

Having worked as a teacher, middle leader and a coach within education, I have seen various performance management processes with a wide range of line managers and staff. I have had the pleasure of working with experienced teachers, NQTs, underperformers, outstanding staff, coasting staff and ambitious professionals. Each have proved to be excellent learning opportunities! […]